The Power of Speaking Your Truth | Lan Mercado | TEDxESADE

Falsely accused of being a spy, Lan Mercado was held captive and tortured for five months by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). If that wasn't enough, upon release, she had to continue hiding her identity whilst risking her social and personal existence. Overcoming this struggle was not just an exercise of resistance but, most importantly, an opportunity to retake her and other victims' voices and regain their dignity.
Currently, Lan is Oxfam's Regional Director for Asia. She also chairs the Peace Advocates for Truth, Healing and Justice (PATH), a human rights group based in the Philippines organized around the so-called 'anti-infiltration purges' undertaken by the CPP-NPA in the 1980s. She is part of Baigani, a feminist group that supports victims of extra-judicial killings. Through all these, Lan works to help those who suffer find their voice.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@luccabetta5238]

A very empowering story Lan! I am also a truth speaker. I have not been popular for speaking it in the past. I question myself at times because other family members are not aligned within themselves to realize that speaking truth is a very enlightening experience.
What you have said here would have taken absolute alignment and focus with your own inner power and guiding light. You believed with all your knowing and you never gave up on that.
There is great love here for everything you stand for beautiful sister Lan 💝

[@allanmarty2601]

Thank you Ma'am Lan. Mabuhay po kayo!!!

[@meyan8081]

Powerful sharing about truth and as a viewer, I experience her BEING the very truth that she talks about. Inspiring!

[@allaboutxhaze]

Thank you for breaking the silence. I definitely am leaving this video more enlightened with more hope and desire to speak my truth. ❤

[@donovannufable6285]

Wow! Amazing message!!!

[@Jkl306]

So powerful thank you

[@jeremylakenes6859]

Truth is exclusive. No one has their own truth...

[@gawainkripke8272]

amazing, lan. thanks so much for sharing.

[@kiranchudasama2724]

Amazing 🙏

[@amandap4545]

This should have more views

[@MalonsMilk]

I REALLY hate the phrase speak YOUR truth. It makes me think of some weird doublespeak that whatever you want to portray whether it truth or not is heralded as fact. Speak THE truth.

[@egadligon1588]

..Truth is that star, look for it.